.com In an age when "keeping up with the Joneses" refers not only to material riches but also to a whirlwind of activities, author Katrina Kenison humbly asks, "Just whose standards am I living by, anyway?" Kenison, mother of two sons and former annual editor of The Best American Short Stories anthology since 1990, understands the hectic agendas, short tempers, and full-time careers today's families endure. But she has also learned to limit the chaos. The title comes from Kenison's youngest son, Jack, cuddled up with mom one quiet afternoon as she crochets mitten strings. He holds up a long piece of yarn and proclaims, "I'm knitting a mitten string for God"--a sweet phrase, but a bit misleading. Despite a sprinkling of minor religious references, the larger focus of Kenison's beautifully written first book lies in living with care and awareness. Chapters with titles like "Grace," "Healing," "Spirit," and "Breathing" offer soothing pictures of a family life that honors patience, imagination, and Sundays without plans. Kenison weaves together personal stories and wisdom from such philosophers as Thoreau and Anne Morrow Lindbergh; the graceful resulting tapestry shows how peace and simplicity can be savored in a world hell-bent on pushing people to accomplish more, own more, and do it all as quickly as possible. --Liane ThomasFrom Publishers WeeklyThis heartfelt collection of essays will strike a chord with any mother whose response to the "arrythmic" pace of modern life is a yearning to "shut the door, stop the noise, and tune in to our own inner lives." Drawing on hard-won insights from her own struggle to achieve balance (she gave up a successful career in book publishing to work from home and raise her two young sons) and to infuse her family's days with meaning, Kenison's richly anecdotal musings on such diverse topics as "peace," "simplicity," "play," "Sabbath" and "discipline" resonate with honesty and wisdom. Though this is not a religious book in the traditional sense, Kenison's contemplations are suffused with a spirituality that thrives on connecting with others and with nature and finding the sacred in the everyday. Rendering an intimate portrait of family life with grace and a lively sense of humor, Kenison, who for the past 10 years has edited The Best American Short Stories, is most impassioned and enlightening when she shares "moments in which we were bathed in grace, moments when we were astonished by the simple joy of our togetherness." Though each essay ends with a pat homily, some of which are jarringly treacly ("Someplace deep within me, I carry every story I have ever heard, every story I have ever lived, every story I will ever need"), readers will be left feeling refreshed and encouraged by the generosity of spirit that prompted these thoughtful reflections. (Apr.) Cahners Business Information.Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. ""Katrina Kenison writes so beautifully and clearly about what is most important in family life, what we are in danger of losing, and how simply we can reclaim what is sacred....A gem." -- -Jane Hamilton, author of The Book of Ruth and A Map of the World"...Kenison offers us a rare chance to slow down, enjoy one another and our children, and live peaceful lives..." -- Reeve Lindbergh, author of Under a Wing: A Memoir"A moving, heartwarming celebration of those achingly lovely moments between parent and child when life slows down ..." -- Judith S. Wallerstein, Ph.D., author of Second Chances and The Good Marriage"A moving, heartwarming celebration of those achingly lovely moments between parent and child when life slows down and you can enjoy the rich, creative pleasures of family....Must reading for every parent and grandparent." -- -Judith S. Wallerstein, Ph.D., author of Second Chances and The Good Marriage"In MITTEN STRINGS FOR GOD, I found wisdom to last a lifetime. Katrina Kenison gives voice to our deepest inchoate longings for our children. She writes from the heart, with a naturalist's eye for beauty and a poet's fearlessness." -- -Roberta Israeloff, author of Kindling the Flame "In Mitten Strings for God, I found wisdom to last a lifetime..." -- Roberta Israeloff, author of Kindling the Flame"Jubilantly proclaims a new way of seeing an being that is accessible to us all. Down-to-earth, compassionate, and realistic ..." -- Chinaberry Book Service"Katrina Kenison has wrought something almost miraculous in this crazy age of ambitious parenting - a lovely, beautifully crafted memoir ..." -- James Dodson, author of Final Rounds and Faithful TravelersEveryone, these days, is busy...but mothers may be the busiest of all. How to juggle your kids' needs with you own needs and your boss's demands (not to mention your husband's)? Katrina Kenison--editor of the Best American Short Stories series--offers refreshing tips for moms who want to slow down, develop an inner life, and get spiritually renewed to boot. In an essay called "Quiet," Kenison urges mothers to turn their homes into relaxing escapes from the hectic, crowded world around them. This "mood of calm repose" will serve both kids and moms. In "Breathing," Kenison reminds readers to simply "take a deep breath" every once in a while. In "Spirit," Kenison explains that most of what she's learned about God, she has learned from her children.From the book's lovely opening essay about relishing the stillness of early mornings to the concluding piece on the passage of time, these reflections will calm and inspire. Mothers--and many dads, kids, and singles--will relish "Mitten Strings for God." (Beliefnet, June 2000) -- From Beliefnet how many books does a best seller sell Mitten Strings for God: Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful and empoweringBy JohnI love this book. If you are looking for a book that motivates to you find simpler more meaningful ways to parent your children and really enjoy the journey, this is a wonderful read. I realize not every parent may feel uplifted, depending on where you are coming from. However, as a homeschool Mom who really enjoys being with her children, I have found this an encouraging book to help me focus on what really matters (and no you don't have to be a homeschool parent to enjoy this book). This is one of those books which I can pick up and just read a chapter here and there on days where I need a parenting 'pick me up'. I love giving this book to my friends who are parents and view parenting in similar ways. I'm grateful for this book and the simple experiences and insights she shares with us readers.28 of 30 people found the following review helpful. An Eloquent Reality CheckBy Carole BurrageThis book is a sincere, heartfelt letter to modern-day mothers that quietly points out how easy it is to lose perspective of that which is most important: raising our children in a loving atmosphere of reverence. Sharing her own experiences, Katrina Kenison gives us access to many of her successes and struggles with her two sons. I have "borrowed" several of her methods (creating a "healing basket" to cater to boo-boos, taking deep breaths together to avoid unnecessary blow-ups, developing a relationship with the brownie that lives in our house, to name but a few) and look forward to implementing more. She is a gifted writer who is able to move back and forth with ease between anecdotes and observations while maintaining a connecting thread over whatever the chapter topic may be (check out the table of contents link to the left of your screen).There are times, however, when I wondered what it must be like to live in her perfect household, where the TV is permanently off and the parents and children play their musical instruments together for family entertainment. And, perhaps I'm a little overly-sensitive, but at the very end, I perceived a bit of working-mom prejudice (though the author admits to working part-time, she is able to work out of her home during the hours her children are in school). For the most part, however, I found this book sweet without being too precious (despite the rather cutesy title) and I do plan to purchase gift copies for friends.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A must-read for all young parents....By AnnieWonderful reflection of parenting..... Each phase passes quickly, and Katrina reminds us to "Be present" as our children develop, being an active part of each day. So many families believe that scheduling their children's lives with multiple activities is of utmost importance. Katrina shares the importance of giving your child the opportunity and time to explore, create, develop. As a parent of adult children, I encourage young parents to follow her lead..... Please read. You will never regret taking time to read, play, build, plant, explore, dream. Make time...